Funeral Arrangements
At John Rhind Funeral Directors, we understand that arranging a funeral can feel overwhelming. We’ve been supporting families in Christchurch and wider Canterbury since 1881, guiding them through each step with care, clarity, and respect.
Immediate help – what to do first
If someone has died and you need urgent help, please call us.
A funeral director is available 24/7 to guide you.
You may also need to take these first steps:
- Contact the doctor
so they can issue a medical certificate of cause of death. - Notify us
we’ll bring your loved one into our care. - Decide where your loved one will rest
at your home, marae, or in our care until the funeral. - Locate key documents
such as birth and marriage certificates, which will help with official registrations.
Immediate Help & First Steps
Planning a Funeral
Planning a funeral is about creating a service that reflects your loved one’s life and gives family and friends the chance to come together. Whether you choose burial or cremation in Christchurch or Canterbury, we’ll guide you through the decisions step by step.
As your local funeral directors in Christchurch & Canterbury we can help with:
- Choosing between a funeral service, memorial service, or a simple cremation.
- Deciding on the right venue — whether one of our chapels, your local church, marae, or a place that holds meaning for your family.
- Working with celebrants, clergy, or family members who may lead the service.
- Considering cultural or religious traditions important to you.
- Personal touches such as flowers, music, readings, or photo tributes.
There is no single “right way” to hold a funeral. Our role is to support your family with clarity and care, so you feel confident in the choices you make. We’d love to make your service reflect the individual personality of your loved one as much as possible.
Upcoming Funerals & Livestreaming
To find details about an Upcoming Funeral, view funeral notices, send a tribute or view a video Livestream of a funeral service.
- Call us first – We’ll help with immediate arrangements and bring your loved one into our care.
- Meet with us – At our office or in your home, we’ll sit down to talk through your wishes. Bring key documents (birth/marriage certificates) so we can help with registration.
- Complete legal paperwork – We’ll guide you through registering the death and preparing necessary forms.
- Decide on burial or cremation – We’ll explain both (cremation and burial) options so you can choose what feels right.
- Discuss service choices – Venue, celebrant or clergy, and cultural traditions.
- Plan the details – Flowers, music, service sheets, tributes, multimedia, or livestreaming.
- Confirm arrangements – We’ll coordinate with venues, celebrants, clergy, florists, caterers, and other providers.
- Day of the funeral – Our team ensures the service runs smoothly and with dignity, so you can focus on family.
Personalising the Service
Ready to talk about arrangements?
We’re here with professionalism, care, and over 140 years of experience helping Christchurch and Canterbury families when they need it most.
Our Services
We provide a full range of funeral and memorial options to suit every family and tradition.
Funeral Arrangements
Cremation
Burial
Memorial Services
Direct Cremation
Livestreaming
Caskets, Urns & Keepsakes
Repatriation
